Black Cauldron Imperial Stout

May 1, 2006Jackson Hole, WY

Reviewers:Charles Finkel - Michael Jackson

Grand Teton
Jackson Hole, WY

Available: CO, ID, MT, WY

Imperial stouts were brewed with higher alcohol to better withstand the journey from breweries in England to the Russian Imperial Court, among other destinations. This strong imperial stout is named for Yellowstone’s Black Dragon Cauldron, in the Mud Volcano area, where hot water blasts through simmering black mud.

Beautiful deep cocoa: opaque, save a few beautiful reddish highlights. Long-lasting, handsome tan head hangs on, leaving lots of lace on the glass. Close your eyes and you smell a satisfying espresso, toasted pumpernickel bread and a piece of dry, high cacao chocolate. Round palate is solidly malty and delicious, chocked with spice and a complex, pleasantly bitter aftertaste. Drink as a digestif, after a meal.- Charles Finkel

The mountains can do things to a man’s mind, and Wyoming can be a lonely place. A brewery with a mammary name, in a place called Jackson Hole, makes a beer called “Black Cauldron.” Sounds like a witch’s brew, but in a style closer to Catherine The Great. This Imperial stout has a good burnt barley aroma, and some espresso and cocoa. The body is more liqueur-ish (Bailey’s?). The palate reminds me of Sambuca, and the finish suggests cherry liqueur chocolates. Rather sweet and innocent, after all that innuendo.- Michael Jackson

Charles FinkelFounder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Michael JacksonAuthor of Ultimate Beer, the Simon & Schuster Guide to Beer and numerous other works on drinks, Jackson has created legions of converts to fine beer.